JWT Focuses ‘Top-Notch Talent’ on Ford

DETROIT In an effort to reinforce a more than six-decade relationship with its largest client, the Ford Motor Company, WPP Group’s JWT has filled two strategic leadership positions, the agency said today.

According to Bob Jeffrey, worldwide chief executive officer and chairman of JWT, automotive ad authority George Rogers has been named co-president of JWT Detroit. At the same time, 29-year JWT veteran Doug Molloy has been promoted to international business director on the Ford account.

“Over the years, our business with Ford has grown so elaborate and has presented so many opportunities, it deserves single-minded leadership,” Jeffery said in a statement. “These moves are a part of our drive to secure top-notch talent, who will grow and evolve our most important client relationships.”

In his new role, Rogers will oversee the agency’s domestic partnership with Ford, as well as share overall office and account leadership responsibilities with Detroit co-president and Ford worldwide creative director Tom Cordner. Rogers will report directly to Jeffrey, the agency said.

Prior to accepting his role at JWT, Rogers was executive vice president, group director at Interpublic Group’s Mullen, Detroit, where he managed the office and oversaw its relationship with General Motors, among other accounts. Before that, Rogers spent 12 years as an account director at Havas’ Arnold Worldwide, Boston, where he helped introduce Volkswagen’s now-famous “Drivers wanted” campaign.

Molloy, whom Jeffrey called “a consummate professional, who knows the Ford business inside and out,” has been with JWT Detroit in various roles since 1976. In his expanded position, Molloy will be responsible for the agency’s international Ford business.

As Singapore-based international vice president, senior executive management director, Ford International, for the past two years, Molloy has supported all of JWT’s Ford business outside of North America. His accomplishments included spearheading the automaker’s recent Asian expansion, the agency said. Molloy will report to JWT worldwide president Michael Maedel.